Sporting equipment warmer having a microwaveable heat source

ABSTRACT

A sporting equipment warmer adapted to receive a first piece of sporting equipment that imparts or receives energy to another object for raising the temperature of at least a portion of the first piece of sporting equipment. The warmer includes a rechargeable, microwaveable heat source positioned within the interior chamber of the warmer. The first piece of sporting equipment is positioned within the interior chamber of the warming shell, and the heat pack provides a source of heat energy for transfer from the heat pack to the first piece of sporting equipment. The heat pack raises the temperature of the first piece of sporting equipment through convective and conductive heat transfer mechanisms. The warming shell can be sized and shaped to accommodate a specific piece of sporting equipment, and is particularly well suited for use with a baseball or softball bat, a baseball or softball, a golf club head, or a golf ball.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication serial No. 60/083,855, filed May 1, 1998; U.S. provisionalpatent application serial No. 60/104,007, filed Oct. 13, 1998; and U.S.provisional patent application serial No. 60/115,729, filed Jan. 12,1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is a warmer device for sporting equipment having amicrowaveable heat source. More particularly, the present invention is awarmer for raising the temperature of a piece of sporting equipment thatimparts or receives energy to or from an object, such as a baseball orsoftball bat, a baseball, a softball, a golf club head, or a golf ball,through conductive and convective heat transfer from a rechargeable,microwaveable heat source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ambient air temperature can have a significant effect on the performanceof pieces of sporting equipment that impart or receive energy transferthrough contact with an object, such as another piece of sportingequipment. For example, in northern climates where temperatures areoften cool during the early portion of a baseball or a softball season,or during evening games, cool ambient air can reduce the temperature ofa softball bat, a baseball bat, a softball, or a baseball, which willhave a negative impact on both the longevity and the performance ofsoftball and baseball equipment. In particular, in aluminum bats,denting of the aluminum bats often occurs when temperatures are cool.Moreover, cold bats are more prone to stinging of a user's hands, andcold bats absorb energy as the bat strikes the softball or baseball,thereby negatively impacting the performance of the bat. Similarly, acool softball or baseball will absorb more energy from the batcontacting the ball as compared to softballs or baseballs having ahigher temperature, and thus will travel less distance in cooltemperatures.

As another example, cool temperatures can negatively impact theperformance of a golf club or a golf ball. During early morning or lateevening hours, or generally during the spring or fall in northernclimates, the cool air temperature can have a negative impact on thedistance a golf ball can be struck due to the cool temperature of thegolf club and/or golf ball. With respect to a golf ball, the distance agolf ball will fly and the amount of spin that a golfer can impart tothe ball is generally reduced as the temperature of the ball is reduced,because the cool golf ball absorbs more energy than a warm golf ball.With respect to a golf club, again the distance a golf ball will fly andthe amount of spin a golfer can impart to the ball is generally reducedas the temperature of the head of the golf club that strikes the ball isreduced.

While attempts have been made to provide warming devices that raise thetemperature of certain pieces of sporting equipment, there is acontinuing need for improved sporting equipment warming devices. Awarming device that is portable and that permits continuous use as thepiece of sporting equipment is used is desirable, as is a warming devicethat utilizes a rechargeable heat source. Moreover, the warmer must beeffective, and must be efficient to manufacture and to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a sporting equipment warmer for raising thetemperature of a first piece of sporting equipment that imparts orreceives energy transfer to or from a second piece of sportingequipment. The warmer is comprised of a warming shell having an interiorchamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the first piece ofsporting equipment. A rechargeable, microwaveable heat pack ispositioned within the interior chamber of the warming shell. The heatpack raises the temperature of the portion of the first piece ofsporting equipment that is received into the interior chamber of thewarming shell. The heat pack is arranged for conductive contact with theportion of the first piece of sporting equipment received by theinterior chamber of the warming shell. The interior chamber can beshaped to substantially conform with the shape of the portion of thefirst piece of sporting equipment received by the warming shell. In onesuch embodiment, the warming shell is shaped and sized to accommodatethe barrel of a baseball or softball bat. In another embodiment, thewarming shell is shaped and sized to receive a golf club head. In athird embodiment, the warming shell is shaped and sized to accommodateone or more sports balls, such as golf balls, baseball, or softballs.The warming shell can be comprised of a first layer of nylon material, asecond layer of insulating material attached to the first layer ofmaterial, and a third layer of material attached to the second layer ofmaterial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a sporting equipment warmer having amicrowaveable heat pack in accordance with the present invention in usewith a baseball or softball bat, with portions broken away to illustratethe heat pack in an interior chamber.

FIG. 2 is the bat warmer shown in FIG. 1 in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a bat warmer inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a bat warmer inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a sportingequipment warmer in accordance with the present invention shown in usewith a plurality of golf balls, with portions broken away to illustratethe plurality of golf balls contained within the interior chamber of thewarmer.

FIG. 6 is the golf ball warmer of FIG. 5 shown in an open position.

FIG. 7 is the golf ball warmer of FIG. 6 with the heat pack and foamsupport removed to illustrate the structure for securing thesecomponents to an inner surface of the golf ball warmer.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of the support foam and golf ballssupported by the support foam.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a golf ball warmer inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a golf ball warmerwith the warming shell in an open position to illustrate elastic webbingused to support and secure one or more golf balls in the warmer.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a sportingequipment warmer in accordance with the present invention shown in usewith a golf club, with portions broken away to illustrate a golf clubcontained within the interior chamber of the warmer.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the golf club warmer of FIG. 11 shown in anopen position.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the golf club warmer of FIG. 11 showingthe rechargeable heat source and the golf club removed from the warmer.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a golf club warmer inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a sportingequipment warmer in accordance with the present invention shown in usewith a plurality of softballs, with portions broken away to illustratethe microwaveable heat source contained within the interior chamber ofthe warmer.

FIG. 16 is top view of the softball warmer of FIG. 15 with the seamopen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the Figures, a variety of embodiments of a sportingequipment warmer in accordance with the present invention are shown.Generally speaking, sporting equipment warmers in accordance with thepresent invention include a warming shell that has an interior chamberinto which a rechargeable heat pack is positioned. The warmer ispreferably designed to be used with a specific piece of sportingequipment, and thus the interior chamber can be shaped to generallyconform with the shape of the piece of sporting equipment. Morepreferably, the interior chamber is sized to primarily accommodate theheat pack and the piece of sporting equipment. In this manner, the pieceof sporting equipment and the heat pack substantially fill the interiorchamber of the warmer, which reduces “dead air” space in the warmer andincreases the efficiency of the heat transfer from the heat pack to thepiece of sporting equipment. While the term “sporting equipment” is usedto refer to items used in various sporting activities, it is alsocontemplated that a portion of a piece of sporting equipment, such asthe barrel of a bat or the head of a golf club, can be positioned withina warmer. Embodiments illustrating such warmers are described in greaterdetail below.

Turning now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-3 show a bat warmer 10 in accordancewith the present invention that is used to raise the temperature of asoftball or baseball bat 11. Bat warmer 10 comprises a warming shell 20having an interior chamber 30. Warming shell 20 is comprised of outersurface 22 and interior chamber 30 having an inner surface 24. A heatpack 50 is positioned within the interior chamber 30. Bat warmer 10 isshaped and sized to receive the barrel end 11 a of bat 11 in itsinterior chamber 30 to raise the temperature of the barrel 11 a of bat11, substantially through contact with heat pack 50.

More specifically, shell 20 of bat warmer 10 has a barrel end 26 and ahandle end 28. In the embodiment shown, barrel end 26 of shell 20receives the barrel 11 a of bat 11, while handle 11 b of bat 11 extendsfrom an end of the handle end 28 of shell 20. A flexible, rechargeableheat pack 50 is positioned within interior chamber 30 at the barrel end26 of bat warmer 10. In the embodiment shown, bat warmer 10 furtherincludes a mesh pouch 29 attached to inner surface 24 of shell 20. Meshpouch 29 preferably includes perforations, and receives and supportsheat pack 50. Toward this end, mesh pouch 29 can be sewn to innersurface 24 along three edges of the pouch 29, thus leaving the fourthedge unattached to inner surface 24 to facilitate the easy removal andinsertion of heat pack 50. Alternatively, individual straps, such as canbe formed from cloth or an elastic material, can be used to attach heatpack 50 to inner surface 24 of shell 20. The straps can be permanentlyattached to inner surface 24, or can be removable at one end tofacilitate the removal and insertion of heat pack 50. In addition, heatpack 50 can be permanently mounted to the inner surface 24 of shell 20either by attaching all four edges of pouch 29 to inner surface or withthe use of straps. Other techniques and devices for attaching heat pack50 to inner surface 24 can, of course, also be used.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 2, shell 20 of bat warmer 10 preferablyincludes a seam 40 formed in the shell 20 that permits the shell 20 tobe “opened” to receive bat 11. A mating structure, such as a strip ofvelcro 42, extends along the length of seam 40. The strip of velcro 42is used to join the seam 40 together. In this manner, the shell can be“closed” and the interior chamber 30 of shell 20 can be defined. While astrip of velcro 42 is shown as a preferred mating structure, otherstructures, such as a zipper, snaps, or individual tie downs, can alsobe used along seam 40 to join seam 40 together and thereby defineinterior chamber 30.

In use, heat pack 50 of bat warmer 10 is warmed to a desired temperature(as is described in greater detail below) and placed in mesh pouch 29 ofshell 20. The bat 11 is then placed on inner surface 24 of shell 20, andthe opposing portions of velcro strip 42 are engaged to seal seam 40. Inthis manner, heat pack 50 is wrapped around the barrel 11 a of the bat11 at the barrel end 26 of shell 20. In the embodiment shown, the handle11 b of the bat 11 will extend out the handle end 28 of shell 20. Heatpack 50 raises the temperature of the barrel 11 a of the bat 11.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mesh pouch 29 is interposedbetween heat pack 50 and the bat. Heat transfer from heat pack 50 to thebat thus occurs through convection across the holes in the mesh pouch29, and through conduction directly from heat pack 50, through thematerial of mesh pouch 29, and to the barrel 11 a of the bat 11 incontact with mesh pouch 29. In an embodiment of the present inventionwhere straps are used to secure heat pack 50 to inner surface 24 ofshell 20 rather than a mesh pouch 29, heat pack 50 can be placed indirect contact with the bat to primarily provide conductive heating tothe bat. Such an embodiment can advantageously lead to greater heattransfer between heat pack 50 and the bat.

In a preferred embodiment, heat pack 50 is a microwaveable heatingelement comprised of a substance that accepts and retains energy from amicrowave oven in the form of heat, and dissipates this heat energy overtime through conventional heat transfer mechanisms with its surroundingenvironment. Such microwaveable heat packs are commercially availablefrom Vesture Corporation, a subsidiary of R. G. Barry Corporation, ofAsheboro, N.C., and are marketed under the MICROCORE® trade name. Suchheat packs are preferred because temperatures in excess of 150° F. canbe achieved with only 5 minutes of warming in a conventional microwaveoven set at high power. When warmed in this manner and placed in shell20 of the present invention, heat pack 50 will retain sufficient heat towarm bats for a period of approximately 4 hours, and perhaps longer.Other heat sources that provide heat transfer to a bat can of coursealso be used.

The use of a rechargeable heat pack, and specifically a microwaveableheat pack, has numerous advantages over the use of other heatingelements. For example, the use of a non-rechargeable heating element(such a burner of some type) typically requires oxygen for the propergeneration of heat. As such, non-rechargeable heating elements of thistype require an external source of air for proper operation. Such anexterior source of air, however, negatively impacts the performance ofthe warmer, since heat generated by the element will be wasted as itflows out of the opening in the warmer necessary to provide the exteriorair for the heating element.

Moreover, a heat pack that is heated in a microwave oven conservesfossil fuels, and can be repeatedly used. The microwaveable heat pack ofthe present invention is thus more environmentally sound than otherheating elements. In addition, the microwaveable heat pack can be muchmore quickly recharged as compared to other rechargeable heatingelements, such as batteries.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, heat pack 50 can beremoved from shell 20 so that heat pack 50 can be separately warmed in amicrowave oven. In the embodiment where a strip of velcro 42 is used onseam 40, the entire bat warmer 10 can be placed in a microwave ovensince there are no metal components on bat warmer 10. In such anembodiment, a seam 40 on shell 20 may not be necessary at all, sinceremoval of the heat pack 50 for heating in a microwave would not berequired. In such an embodiment, an opening at either the barrel end 26or handle end 28 could be used to facilitate the insertion and removalof bat 11 for heating.

To aide in the efficiency of the heat transfer from heat pack 50 to bat11, shell 20 is preferably constructed of material having insulatingcharacteristics to reduce the loss of heat to the ambient airsurrounding warmer 20. As illustrated in FIG. 3, bat warmer 10 ispreferably comprised of three individual layers of material.Specifically, the first layer (i.e. the layer including outer surface22) is formed from a sheet of nylon, preferably waterproof nylon packcloth. Nylon pack cloth advantageously provides a durable substance, yetis efficient to manufacture and use. An intermediate, insulating layer23 is attached to the nylon pack cloth layer on a surface opposite firstsurface 22 using conventional means, such as stitching. Intermediatelayer 23 can be preferably formed from cotton batting. Cotton battinglayer 23 can also be quilted with nylon strands, if desired. Otherinsulating materials that provide a balance between thermal retentionand cost can also be used. Inner surface 24 is formed in a layer ofpolar fleece material that is attached to the intermediate layer 23 ofcotton batting using conventional methods, such as stitching. Othermethods for forming the three layer structure can of course be used,such as heat sealing or adhesive.

As mentioned above, warmer 10 is preferably sized so that the heat pack50 and bat 11 substantially fill the interior chamber 30 of shell 20 toreduce the “dead air” in the warmer. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1and 2, then, shell 20 of bat warmer 10 is approximately 24″ long asmeasured from the barrel end 26 to the handle end 28 of shell 20. Thebat warmer is preferably 6½″ in width to accommodate the barrels ofconventional, standard bats. In its open shape, such as is shown in FIG.2, the width from the edges of the seam 40 is between 13″ and 15″. Heatpack 50 is preferably 7″ by 11″ in size.

These dimensions for a preferred embodiment of bat warmer 10 areprovided as an example only. Other sizes and dimensions of bat warmer 10can of course be used as desired for a specific application.

Bat warmer 10 can also include any number of additional componentsattached to outer surface 22 of the bat warmer 10. For example, acarrying strap 34 can be attached from the barrel end 26 to the handleend 28 of shell 20 to permit the bat warmer 10 to be carried on a user'sshoulder. In addition, a hook or strap structure 36 can be mounted tothe handle end 28 of shell 20 to permit the bat warmer 10 to be hungfrom a structure, such as a chain-link backstop at a softball or abaseball diamond or a railing in a dugout. Team logos or otherinformation can also be added to outer surface 22, such as throughembossing, silk screening, embroidery, or stitching patches onto outersurface 22.

The bat warmer 10 as described herein overcomes many of the shortcomingsdescribed in the Background section of the present application.Specifically, by warming the temperature of a bat on cool evenings orduring the early portion of a softball or baseball season, moreconsistent performance from a bat can be achieved. That is, a warm batwill provide better energy transfer between the bat and the ball that isbeing struck by the bat, which in turn provides better distance andvelocity to the ball being struck. Moreover, heating the barrel of a batwill reduce the amount of sting provided to a user's hands. This is truewhen the bat that is warmed by the present invention is either analuminum bat or a conventional wooden bat. In addition, in the case ofaluminum softball and baseball bats, a warmed barrel is much lesssusceptible to denting. That is, a cold barrel of an aluminum bat isprone to denting when the bat strikes a ball that is traveling at highvelocity, while a warmed bat is less likely to dent when impacting ahigh velocity projectile, such as a softball or a baseball.

A bat warmer in accordance with the present invention can alsoadvantageously function as a bat weight that is used during warm-ups andstretching prior to using the bat. That is, the present invention, dueto the heat pack located at the barrel end, uniformly positionsapproximately two to three pounds at barrel of the bat. As such, a usercan advantageously swing the bat encased in the bat warmer to loosen theuser's musculature. In this manner, both the bat and the user areproperly prepared for the user's at-bat.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a bat warmer 110 in accordance withthe present invention. Bat warmer 110 includes many of the features ofbat warmer 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above. Shell 120 ofbat warmer 110, however, is extended at its handle end 128 so as toencompass the entire bat within an interior chamber (not shown).

With reference to FIGS. 5-9, another embodiment of a sporting equipmentwarmer in accordance with the present invention is shown in use with aplurality of golf balls 214. More specifically, FIGS. 5-9 show a golfball warmer 210 comprised of a warming shell 220 having an interiorchamber 230 in which one or more golf balls 214 can be held. A heat pack250 is positioned within the interior chamber 230, and warming shell 220retains heat within its interior chamber 230 to raise the temperature ofthe golf balls 214. Golf ball warmer 210 receives one or more golf balls214 in its interior chamber 230 to raise the temperature of the golfballs 214 through convective and conductive heating from heat pack 250.

More specifically, warming shell 220 includes an outer surface 222 andan inner surface 224. A rechargeable, microwaveable heat pack 250,similar to heat pack 50 described above in connection with bat warmer10, is positioned within interior chamber 230 of golf ball warmer 210.In the embodiment shown, a plurality of straps 228 are attached to innersurface 224 of shell 220 to hold heat pack 250 in place. Straps 228 canbe permanently attached to inner surface 224, or can be removable at oneend to facilitate the removal and insertion of heat pack 250 beneathstraps 228. Straps 228 are attached to inner surface 224 usingconventional means, such as stitching, adhesive, or snaps, and heat pack250 is placed under the straps 228. In this manner, straps 228 are usedto secure heat pack 250 to the inner surface 224 of shell 220, yetpermit heat pack 250 to efficiently be removed when necessary, such asfor recharging or replacement. Other structures can, of course, be usedto secure heat pack 250 to shell 220. For example, a mesh pouch thatincludes perforations can be sewn to inner surface 224 along three edgesof the pouch, thus leaving the fourth edge unattached to inner surface224 to facilitate the easy removal and insertion of heat pack 250, canbe used. In addition, heat pack 250 can be permanently mounted to theinner surface 224 of shell 220 through the use of adhesive or otherknown means.

To facilitate the insertion and removal of heat pack 250 and/or balls214 from interior chamber 230, shell 220 is provided with an opening.Toward this end, and as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, shell 220of golf ball warmer 210 preferably includes a seam 240 formed in theshell 220 that permits the shell 220 to be “opened” to receive heat pack250 and one or more golf balls 214, and “closed” to substantially sealinterior chamber 230 from exterior air, and thus retain heat withininterior chamber 230. In the embodiment shown, seam 240 extends aroundthree sides of warming shell 220. A mating structure, such as zipper242, extends along the length of seam 240. Zipper 242 is used to jointhe seam 240 together to close the shell 220 and thus define and sealthe interior chamber 230 of shell 220. While zipper 242 is shown as apreferred mating structure, other structures, such as velcro hook andloop closures, snaps, or individual tie downs, can also be used alongseam 240 to join seam 240 together and thus define interior chamber 230.

One or more golf balls 214 are received within interior chamber 230 ofgolf ball warmer 210, and in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, golfballs 214 are positioned on a foam support 251. Foam support 251 can beformed from a piece of convoluted foam padding, which as perhaps bestshown in FIG. 8, has a plurality of hills 252 and valleys 254. A golfball 214 is positioned within a valley 254, and his held in place by thesurrounding hills 252. In addition to supporting golf balls 214, foamsupport 251 acts as an insulating layer in order to better retain heatwithin interior chamber 230 of golf ball warmer 210.

To better secure golf balls 214 to foam support 251 and to hold foamsupport 251 in place within interior chamber 230, a mesh pouch 229 canbe secured to inner surface 224, such as by sewing three edges of asheet of mesh material to inner surface 224. Mesh pouch 229 includes aplurality of perforations that permit the flow of air through pouch 229,and foam support 251 can be inserted under pouch 229. Golf balls 214 canbe placed on foam support 251 either before or after it is inserted inpouch 229. While the present invention shows the use of both foamsupport 251 and pouch 229 to secure golf balls 214 in interior chamber230, it is to be understood that golf balls 214 can be placed directlyunder pouch 229 without the use of foam support 251, directly on foamsupport 251 without the use of pouch 229, or directly on inner surface224 without the use of either foam support 251 or pouch 229.

Similar to heat pack 50 described above, heat pack 250 is preferably amicrowaveable heat pack comprised of a substance that accepts andretains energy in the form of heat from a microwave oven, and that canbe “recharged” a multiple number of times. In use, heat pack 250 of golfball warmer 210 is warmed to a desired temperature (such as by heatingpack 250 in a microwave oven as is described above). When warmed in amicrowave oven and placed in shell 220 of the present invention, heatpack 250 will retain sufficient heat to warm golf balls for a period ofapproximately 6 hours, which is under typical conditions a sufficientamount of time for a golfer to complete a round of golf. The chargedheat pack 250 is placed under straps 228 of shell 220. One or more golfballs 214 are then placed on foam support 251, which as described abovecan be positioned within pouch 229. The teeth of zipper 242 are thenengaged to seal seam 240, and thus close shell 220. In this manner,interior chamber 230 is created, the ambient air of which is heated bythe presence of heat pack 250. More specifically, by sealing seam 240and closing shell 220, heat pack 250 is brought into proximity with thegolf balls 214. Heat is transferred to golf balls 214 through convectiveand/or conductive heat transfer mechanisms (as is described above), andthe temperatures of golf balls 214 are thus increased, which in turnincreases the performance of the balls. When a golfer is in need of agolf ball 214, zipper 242 can be opened to provide access to interiorchamber 230, and a golf ball 214 can then be removed.

Similar to the bat warmer 10, heat pack 250 of golf ball warmer 210 canbe removed from shell 220 so that heat pack 250 can be separately warmedin a microwave oven apart from the other components of golf ball warmer210. Alternatively, the entire golf ball warmer 210 can be heated in amicrowave oven without the removal of heat pack 250 so long as no metalis included on the golf ball warmer 210. That is, zipper 242 can beconstructed of nylon or plastic materials, or a similar metal-lessstructure used to seal seam 240 such as velcro hook and loop closures ortie-downs, can be used, to obviate the need to remove heat pack 250before recharging the heat pack. In such an embodiment the entire golfball warmer 210 is inserted into a microwave oven.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, shell 220 of golf ball warmer 210 ispreferably comprised of three individual layers of material.Specifically, the first layer of shell 220 (i.e. the layer includingouter surface 222) is formed from a sheet of nylon, preferably 1000denier waterproof cordura. This material advantageously provides adurable substance, yet is efficient to manufacture and use. Any otherdenier nylon, or any other material that is sufficiently durable, canalso of course be used. An intermediate, insulating layer 223 isattached to the outer layer on a surface opposite first surface 222using conventional means. Intermediate layer 223 acts as an insulatinglayer to reduce heat loss from interior chamber 230, thus increasing theefficiency of golf ball warmer 210 by increasing the amount of time heatpack 250 will heat interior chamber, and by increasing the amount thatheat pack 250 can raise the temperature of the ambient air in interiorchamber 230. One material well suited for intermediate layer 223 isThinsulate® brand insulation material. Other insulating materials thatprovide a balance between thermal retention and cost, such as cottonbatting, can also be used. Inner surface 224 is formed in a third, innerlayer of material that is attached to intermediate layer 223. Thisthird, inner layer of material is also preferably formed from nylon,such as 200 denier nylon oxford cloth. Other materials, such as polarfleece, can also be used. The outer, intermediate, and inner layers ofmaterial that comprise shell 220 can be attached to each other usingconventional methods, such as stitching, heat sealing, or adhesive.

Shell 220 is preferably sized and shaped so that the interior chamber230 is substantially filled by heat pack 250, the golf balls 214, andfoam support 251. A representative example of golf ball warmer 210 isapproximately 8 inches long and 5 and ½ inches wide to accommodate heatpack 250 and one or more golf balls 214. Specifically, a golf ballwarmer that is 8 inches long will permit the simultaneous warming of upto 9 golf balls 214. Shell 220 is also preferably sized to have a heightof 3 inches so that when closed, as shown in FIG. 5, the thickness ofthe heat pack 250 will snugly accommodate the golf balls 214 and thefoam support 251. That is, a height of 3 inches will snugly hold thesegolf ball warmer components in place, without crushing the insulation ofintermediate layer 223. Heat pack 250 is preferably 5″ by 7″ in size.

These dimensions for a preferred embodiment of golf ball warmer 210 areprovided as an example only. Other sizes and dimensions of golf ballwarmer 210 can of course be used as desired for a specific application.

Golf ball warmer 210 can also include any number of additionalcomponents attached to outer surface 222 of the golf ball warmer 210 toenhance its use. For example, a carrying strap 234 can be attached toouter surface 222 of shell 220 to permit the golf ball warmer 210 to behooked onto a golf bag or on a golf cart. Information such as a golfer'smonogram or other information can also be added to outer surface 222,such as through embossing, silk screening, embroidery, or stitchingpatches onto outer surface 222, to enhance the aesthetic appearance ofthe golf ball warmer 210. Similarly, welting can be added to an outeredge of the shell 220 to make the golf ball warmer 210 more attractive.

Golf ball warmer 210 overcomes many of the shortcomings described in theBackground section of the present application. Specifically, by warmingthe temperature of a golf ball on cool evenings or during the fall orspring, more consistent performance from the golf ball can be achieved.That is, a warm golf ball will permit better energy transfer between thegolf ball and a golf club that strikes the golf ball. This in turnprovides better distance and velocity to the golf ball, and permits thegolfer to impart a greater amount of spin to the golf ball when desired.Golf ball warmer 210 is also portable, and may be taken out on a golfcourse to continually warm a plurality of golf balls. Moreover, the golfball warmer of the present invention includes a rechargeable heat pack,which reduces the costs associated with using golf ball warmer. This isparticularly true in comparison to warmers that rely upon anon-rechargeable heating element to impart heat to golf balls. The useof a rechargeable heat pack is also more environmentally sound.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a golf ball warmer 260. Golfball warmer 260 is similar to warmer 210 described above. Warmer 260includes a seam 290 that permits the warmer to be opened to access theinterior chamber 266 of the warmer, such as for inserting or removingone or more golf balls 214. Rather than the use of a foam support,however, warmer 260 includes elastic webbing 270 that engages andsupports the plurality of golf balls 214. Specifically, elastic webbing270 is attached to inner surface 264 of warming shell 262 of warmer 260,and preferably covers the plan form shape of interior chamber 266.Webbing is arranged in a “criss-cross” pattern, and thus includes aplurality of spaces 272. Spaces 272 are sized so as to expand to receivea golf ball, and thus secure a golf ball 214 that is inserted in one ofthe spaces 272. In such an embodiment, a pair of heat packs 280, one oneither side of the golf balls 214, can be used, in which instance asecond seam (not shown) can be included for accessing the second heatpack 280.

Another embodiment of a sporting equipment warmer in accordance with thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 11-14. More specifically, a warmer310 is shown in use with a golf club 316. Golf club warmer 310 is mostgenerally comprised of a warming shell 320 having an interior chamber330 and a heat pack 350 that is positioned within the interior chamber330. Golf club warmer 310 is adapted to receive a head 314 of a golfclub 316 in its interior chamber 330. Golf club warmer 310 raises thetemperature of head 314 of the golf club 316 through convective andconductive heating from heat pack 350.

More specifically, warming shell 320 of golf club warmer 310 iscomprised of a head portion 326 and a shaft portion 328. Head portion326 includes interior chamber 330, and a flexible heat pack 350 ispositioned at a top portion of interior chamber 330 at the head portion326 of golf club warmer 310. Shaft portion 328 is attached to the bottomend of head portion 326, and is formed from material that will stretchto permit the head 314 of golf club 316 to be inserted through shaftportion 328 and into interior chamber 330.

In the embodiment shown, head portion 326 of golf club warmer 310 issubstantially tubular to accommodate head 314, and further includes amesh pouch 329 attached to surface 324 of interior chamber 330. Meshpouch 329 preferably includes perforations, and receives head 314 ofgolf club 316. Mesh pouch 329 can be attached to inner surface 324 alongtwo side edges of the pouch 329, such as by sewing or other conventionalmethods, and the top edge of pouch 329 is preferably drawn together, orshut, such as by sewing or other conventional methods. The top portionof pouch 329 thus acts as a hanger structure 331, which as describedbelow, can be used to support the heat pack 350. When formed in thismanner, pouch 329 can expand to receive head 314 of golf club 316 oncethe head is inserted through shaft portion 328 and into interior chamber330.

Hanger structure 331 of pouch 329 can be advantageously used to supportthe heat pack 350 within interior chamber 330. As described above withrespect to heat pack 50 and 250, heat pack 350 is preferably formed froma microwaveable substance that is flexible in nature. As such, heat pack350 can be suitably sized and shaped so as to be draped across hangerstructure 331 of pouch 329. Because only two sides of pouch 329 arepreferably attached to surface 324 of interior chamber 330, heat pack350 will extend over the unattached sides of pouch 329, and thussubstantially encircle the pouch 329, and the head 314 of golf club 316contained therein. In this manner, heat pack 350 will provide heat tohead 314, thus raising its temperature.

Other structures for receiving head 314 and/or for supporting heat pack350 within interior chamber 330 can also be used. For example, one ormore straps can be used to secure heat pack 350 to surface 324 ofinterior chamber 330 in a manner that encircles pouch 329. In addition,it is contemplated that golf club warmer 310 could include a flexibleheat pack 350 that is attached to surface 324 in a manner thatcompletely surrounds the head 314 of golf club 316. In such anembodiment, a mesh pouch 329 would not be required.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 12, warming shell 320 of golf club warmer310 preferably includes a seam 340 formed at a top end of head portion326 that permits the head portion 326 to be “opened” to provide easyaccess to heat pack 350. A mating structure, such as a zipper 342,extends along the length of seam 340, and is used to join the seam 340together. In this manner, the top end of head portion 326 of warmingshell 320 can be efficiently opened or closed to remove or insert theheat pack 350. While a zipper 342 is shown in the embodiment of FIGS.11-13, other structures, such as a velcro material, snaps, or individualtie downs, can also be used along seam 340 to join seam 340 together andthereby provide access to heat pack 350 in interior chamber 330.

Similar to heat pack 50 and heat pack 250 described above, heat pack 350is preferably a microwaveable heat pack comprised of a substance thataccepts and retains energy in the form of heat from a microwave oven,and that can be “recharged” a multiple number of times. In use, heatpack 350 of golf club warmer 310 is warmed to a desired temperature(such as in a microwave oven described above). Temperatures in excess of150° F. can be achieved with only 5 minutes of warming in a conventionalmicrowave oven set at high power, and when warmed in this manner heatpack 350 can retain sufficient heat to warm a head of a golf club for aperiod of approximately 6 hours, which is under typical conditions asufficient amount of time for a golfer to complete a round of golf.After being “charged” in the microwave oven, the heat pack 350 is placedover hanger structure 331 of mesh pouch 329 in interior chamber 330.Seam 340 is then sealed through the movement of zipper 342. Golf clubwarmer 310 can then be placed over head 314 of a golf club by insertingthe head 314 of a desired club through shaft portion 328 (such as bypulling shaft portion 328 over head 314) and into pouch 329. Heat pack350 then raises the temperature of the head 314 through conventionalconvective and conductive heating. When the golf club 316 is desired tobe used, the golf club warmer 310 is removed by pulling the warmer 310off golf club 316. When seam 340 is sealed and head portion 326 isclosed, the top end of interior chamber 330 will prevent heat pack 350from excessive motion as the golf club warmer 310 is placed over head314 and removed from head 314.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-13, mesh pouch 329 is interposedbetween heat pack 350 and the head 314, and heat transfer from heat pack350 to head 314 occurs through two heat transfer mechanisms. First, heattransfer can occur through convection via the heated ambient air ofinterior chamber 330. That is, convective heating occurs from heat pack350 to the head 314 occurs across the holes in the mesh pouch 329.Second, heat transfer can occur through conduction directly from heatpack 350, through the material of mesh pouch 329, and to the head 314 ofgolf club 316 in contact with mesh pouch 329. Conductive heating mayalso occur through direct contact between heat pack 350 and head 314 atthe holes in pouch 329. In an embodiment where no mesh pouch isprovided, a greater amount of conductive heating may occur due to thegreater amount of direct contact between golf club head 314 and heatpack 350.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, heat pack 350 can beremoved from warming shell 320 so that heat pack 350 can be separatelywarmed in a microwave oven apart from the other components of golf clubwarmer 310. Alternatively, the entire golf club warmer 310 can be heatedin a microwave oven without the removal of heat pack 350 so long as nometal is included on the golf club warmer 310. That is, zipper 342 canbe constructed of nylon or plastic materials, or a similar metal-lessstructure used to seal seam 340 such as velcro hook and loop closures ortie-downs, can be used, to obviate the need to remove heat pack 350before recharging the heat pack. Alternatively, golf club warmer 310 canbe constructed without a seam 340, with heat pack 350 permanentlymounted to interior chamber 330. In an embodiment where the seam sealingstructure is metal free or where no seam is provided for, the entiregolf club warmer 310 is inserted into a microwave oven.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the head portion 326 of golf club warmer 310is preferably comprised of three individual layers of material. In arepresentative embodiment, the first outer layer 322 is formed fromacrylic pile material. Acrylic pile material provides an aestheticallypleasing appearance, and is relatively durable, yet is efficient tomanufacture and use. An intermediate, insulating layer 323 is attachedto the outer layer 322 using conventional methods, such as stitching oradhesive. Intermediate layer 323 acts as an insulating layer to retainheat within interior chamber 330, and thus can be preferably formed froman insulating material, such as ⅝ inch foam or cotton batting. Otherinsulating materials that provide a balance between thermal retentionand cost can also be used. Inner surface layer 324 is preferably formedfrom a cotton polyester material, and is attached to the intermediatelayer 323 using conventional methods, such as stitching. Other methodsfor forming the three layer structure can of course be used, such asheat sealing or adhesive. Shaft portion 328 can be formed from anymaterial having sufficient stretching characteristics to permit the golfclub head 314 to be inserted through the shaft portion 328 and into headportion 326. The material of shaft portion 328 should also besufficiently soft and non-abrasive so as to protect the shaft of thegolf club from scratching or rubbing between the golf club and otherclubs or a golf bag. One suitable material for shaft portion 328 is acotton polyester material. Shaft portion 328 is attached to innersurface layer 324 of material using conventional methods, such asstitching or adhesive.

Golf club warmer 310 can be built in a variety of sizes and shapes toaccommodate different golf club types. For example, head portion 326 canbe sufficiently “over-sized” to accommodate the extra-large metal wooddrivers commonly used by golfers. Alternatively, head portion 326 can beshaped to accommodate the heads of normal size woods, irons, or aputter. In this regard, the pouch 329 contained within interior chamber330 can also be varied to provide a desired amount of snugness betweenthe head 314, the pouch 329, and the heat pack 350. Heat pack 350 canalso, of course, be provided in a number of different sizes toaccommodate the different sized golf club warmers. Moreover, while onlya single heat pack 350 has been illustrated, it is contemplated that aplurality of heat packs can be used if desired. For example, two heatpacks that are positioned opposite each other in interior chamber 330 ofgolf club warmer 310 could be used. Club head 314 would then bepositioned between them, and be warmed in the manner described above.

Golf club warmer 310 can also include any number of additionalcomponents attached to outer surface layer 322 of the golf club warmer310 to enhance its use. For example, a carrying strap (not shown) can beattached to outer surface layer 322 of head portion 326 or to shaftportion 328 to permit the golf club warmer 310 to be secured to a golfbag or to a golf cart to prevent the warmer from being inadvertentlylost. Information such as a golfer's monogram or other information canalso be added to outer surface layer 322, such as through embossing,silk screening, embroidery, or stitching patches onto outer surface 322,to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the golf club warmer 310.Similarly, welting can be added to an outer edge of the warming shell320 to make the golf club warmer 310 more attractive.

The golf club warmer 310 as described herein provides specificadvantages and overcomes many of the shortcomings described in theBackground section of the present application. Specifically, by warmingthe temperature of the head of a golf club, such as during cool eveningor morning rounds of golf, or during the fall or spring, more consistentperformance from the golf club can be achieved. That is, a warm golfclub head will provide better energy transfer between the golf club headand the golf ball being struck. This in turn provides better distanceand velocity to the golf ball, and permits the golfer to impart agreater amount of spin to the golf ball when desired. The application ofheat from heat pack 350 to club head 314 will also speed the drying ofclub head 314 when it is wet, such as when it is used in the earlymorning when dew is present, or when used on a rainy day. This too, willpermit the golfer to impart a greater amount of spin to the golf ball.Moreover, heating the golf club head may reduce the amount of stingprovided to a user's hands. In addition, a warmed metal golf club headis less susceptible to denting or other abuse caused by impact with thegolf ball being struck, thus lengthening the useful life of the golfclub.

Golf club warmer 310 is also portable, and may be taken out on a golfcourse to continually warm a golf club head. It is relatively compact insize, and thus individual golf club warmers may be used for a full setof clubs at the same time. Moreover, the golf club warmer of the presentinvention includes a rechargeable heat pack, which reduces the costsassociated with using golf club warmer. The use of a rechargeable heatpack is also more environmentally sound.

While the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatother changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. For example, the present invention can be usedwith other pieces of sporting equipment whose performance is affected bythe temperature of the piece of sporting equipment, such as, forexample, a duck call or a goose call, the reeds of which are subject tofreezing thus rendering the call inoperable on cold days.

With reference to FIGS. 15-16, another embodiment of a sportingequipment warmer in accordance with the present invention is shown inuse with a plurality of softballs 414. More specifically, FIGS. 15-16show a softball warmer 410 comprised of a warming shell 420 having aninterior chamber 430 in which one or more softballs 414 can be held. Aheat pack 450 is positioned within the interior chamber 430, and warmingshell 420 retains heat within its interior chamber 430 to raise thetemperature of the softballs 414. Softball warmer 410 receives one ormore softballs 414 in its interior chamber 430 to raise the temperatureof the softballs 414 through convective and conductive heating from heatpack 450. While warmer 410 is shown in use with softballs 414, warmer410 can, of course, be used with one or more baseballs to raise thetemperature of the baseballs.

As with the sporting equipment warmers described above, softball warmer410 includes a seam 440 which permits the insertion of the heat pack 450and the one or more softballs 414. Seam 440 includes a closure device,such as a zipper 442, to permit the opening and closing of shell 420.

Heat pack 450 is a rechargeable, microwaveable heat pack, and can becharged in a microwave oven as is described above. Once charged, heatpack 450 is placed in shell 420. The size of the heat pack 450 ispreferably chosen so that the heat pack 450 curves around and conformsto the shape of the interior chamber 430 of shell 420. Softballs 414 canthen be inserted into shell 420, and are cradled by heat pack 450. Inthis manner, the softballs 414 are substantially surrounded by heat pack450, which promotes the efficient transfer of heat from the heat pack450 to the softballs 414.

Alternatively, a pair of heat packs 450 can be positioned within theinterior chamber 430 of shell 420. Softballs 414 can then be placedbetween the heat packs 450 to substantially surround the balls.

Shell 420 of softball warmer 410 can be comprised of multiple layers ofmaterial, including an intermediate insulating layer formed from any ofthe materials described above positioned between and attached tointerior and exterior layers of nylon material.

By raising the temperature of the softballs 414, softball warmer 410overcomes many of the shortcomings described above in the Backgroundsection of the application. That is, warmed softballs will typicallypromote better energy transfer between the ball and the bat striking theball, which increases the distance the ball can be hit. A warmed ballwill also cause less jarring to the bat, which can reduce the sting abatter feels upon contacting the ball.

While the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatother changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. For example, the present invention can be usedwith other pieces of sporting equipment whose performance is affected bythe temperature of the piece of sporting equipment, such as a duck callor a goose call, the reeds of which are subject to freezing on colddays, which renders the call inoperable.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sporting equipment warmer for raising thetemperature of a first piece of sporting equipment that imparts orreceives energy transfer to or from a second piece of sportingequipment, comprising: a warming shell having open and closed states,wherein in the closed state the warming shell has an interior chambersized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the first piece ofsporting equipment; and one or more rechargeable, removable,microwaveable heat packs, each capable of being positioned within andremoved from the warming shell when the warming shell is in the openstate, and surrounding at least a portion of the first piece of sportingequipment when the warming shell is in the closed state, for raising thetemperature of the portion of the first piece of sporting equipmentreceived by the interior chamber of the warming shell.
 2. The sportingequipment warmer of claim 1 and further including a mesh structure forremovably holding the first piece of sporting equipment within thewarming shell.
 3. The sporting equipment warmer of claim 1 and furtherincluding straps in the warming shell for removably retaining each heatpack.
 4. The sporting equipment warmer of claim 1 and further includinga fastener for securing the warming shell in the closed state.
 5. Thesporting equipment warmer of claim 1 and further including securingstructure for holding the one or more heat packs in the warming shelland enabling the one or more heat packs to physically contact andconductively heat the first piece of sporting equipment when the warmingshell is in the closed state.
 6. A bat warmer sized and shaped toreceive a baseball or softball bat for raising the temperature of thebaseball or softball bat, the bat warmer comprising: a warming shellhaving a barrel portion and open and closed states, wherein in the openstate a bat can be inserted into the warming shell, and in the closedstate the warming shell forms an interior chamber surrounding a batbarrel; and a rechargeable, removable, microwaveable heat pack capableof being positioned within and removed from the warming shell when thewarming shell is in the open state, and surrounding at least a portionof a bat barrel when the warming shell is in the closed state, forraising the temperature of the bat received within the interior chamberof the warming shell.
 7. The bat warmer of claim 6, wherein the heatpack is positioned within the warming shell at the barrel portion of thewarming shell, the heat pack arranged for conductive contact with thebarrel of the bat received within the warming shell.
 8. The bat warmingapparatus of claim 6 wherein the warming shell is comprised of a firstlayer comprising a flexible layer of nylon, a second layer comprising aninsulating layer attached to the first layer, and a third layercomprising a soft, insulating layer attached to the second layer ofmaterial.
 9. The bat warmer of claim 6 and further including straps forremovably retaining the heat pack in the warming shell.
 10. The batwarmer of claim 6 and further including a fastener for securing thewarming shell in the closed state.
 11. The bat warmer of claim 6 andfurther including securing structure for holding the heat pack in thewarming shell and enabling the heat pack to physically contact andconductively heat the bat barrel when the warming shell is in the closedstate.